Police Report Decline in Crime, Advance Departmental Reforms in Transformative 2024

The Pasadena Police Department saw decreases across major crime categories and advanced multiple reform initiatives during 2024, implementing what police officials describe as a transformative modernization effort that included everything from new uniforms to enhanced community engagement programs.

Police Chief Gene Harris will present a comprehensive year-end review to the Community Police Oversight Commission during its regular meeting Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers.

The report shows total police incidents decreased 5% from 108,788 in 2023 to 103,095 in 2024. Homicides dropped from seven to one, with no gang-related homicides reported.

“It marks our evolution as a modern law enforcement agency, one that embraces innovation, while maintaining our unwavering commitment to serving and protecting our community,” Harris wrote in the report detailing the department’s “Contemporary Rebranding” initiative, which included changing badge and patch colors from traditional gold and blue to navy blue and platinum.

The department strengthened its workforce diversity in 2024, hiring 43 new employees — 24 female and 19 male. Of those hired, 30 were Hispanic, seven were White, four Asian, one Black, and one person of two or more races. The department’s command staff reflects similar diversity, with leadership positions held by White (33%), Hispanic (25%), Black (25%), Asian (13%), and other (4%) commanders.

Key operational statistics show:

• 14% decrease in traffic stops (12,658 vs 14,692)
• 16% reduction in use of force incidents (16 vs 19)
• 57% decline in shooting incidents (25 vs 58)
• 2% decrease in total arrests (3,247 vs 3,257)
• 300 firearms collected, including 144 seized by officers
• Vehicle pursuits increased by 121%, from 19 to 42 incidents.

Notable achievements included:

• National recognition for Spanish-language Citizens Police Academy
• Launch of “Books N’ Cops” program with public libraries
• Implementation of FARO 3D laser technology for accident reconstruction
• Street Crime Unit’s recovery of 43 firearms and 124 gang/narcotics arrests
• Two detectives receiving Police Officers Association of Los Angeles County Centurion Award for solving Angeles Crest Highway murder case
• Securing over $67,000 in Peace Officer Standards and Training reimbursements

Technology upgrades extended beyond new body cameras to include development of an Active Intelligence Center, implementation of Department of Justice-mandated Racial Identity and Profiling Act application changes, and deployment of a Recon View Observation Tower system.

The report identifies areas needing continued development, including updating legacy systems, bridging former and current operational norms, and enhancing emotional intelligence training.

The presentation is informational and requires no commission action.

Public comments can be made in person or submitted to pcoc@cityofpasadena.net by noon on February 13. The meeting will stream live on Pasadena Media’s Government Access Channel KPAS and the City’s website, with recordings available later through the City’s archive system.

The City Council Chambers are located at 100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249. Meeting materials are available on the City’s website by clicking here.